Before entering Makkah
Ihram at the Miqat
At the appointed miqat, perform ghusl, wear the two unstitched white cloths (men) or modest dress (women), pray two rak'ahs, and declare intention.
What to do
- Men wear two pieces of unstitched white cloth (izar and rida) without underwear or stitched clothing.
- Women wear ordinary modest clothing; the face and hands should not be covered with niqab or gloves while in ihram (the face may be covered with loose cloth without it touching).
- Forbidden in ihram: cutting hair or nails, perfume (newly applied), hunting, marriage contracts, sexual relations, arguing or quarrelling.
Intention (Niyyah) for Hajj
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ حَجًّا
Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan
Here I am, O Allah, in response for Hajj.
The Talbiyah — recite often, especially after entering ihram
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, inna l-hamda wa-n-ni'mata laka wa-l-mulk, la sharika lak
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am — You have no partner — here I am. Indeed all praise, all favor, and the kingdom are Yours. You have no partner.